Creamy Steak & Sweet Onion Bowtie Pasta

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of pasta that combines rich, savory flavors with a touch of elegance. This Creamy Steak & Sweet Onion Bowtie Pasta is exactly that kind of dish—a beautiful balance of tender steak bites, sweet caramelized onions, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta all enveloped in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a weekend dinner with family yet simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Inspired by the idea of turning classic steak dinners into a hearty pasta dish, this recipe brings together flavors that are familiar yet luxurious. The sweetness of the onions contrasts perfectly with the richness of the steak and creamy sauce, while the bowtie pasta adds a playful texture that holds onto every bite of the sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish hits all the right notes.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup beef broth

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking the pasta perfectly is key, as it will continue to absorb flavors from the sauce later, ensuring every bite is creamy and rich.

2. Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden, and caramelized. The caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, which perfectly balances the savory steak and cream sauce. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Sear the Steak

Pat the steak pieces dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Searing the steak develops a deep, flavorful crust that adds a rich taste to the dish. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this short cooking time ensures the garlic flavor is aromatic but not bitter. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth, rich, and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5. Combine Everything

Return the seared steak, caramelized onions, and cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and steak are coated evenly in the creamy sauce. This step is crucial to ensure that every forkful has a balance of steak, onion, and sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. The parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle fresh flavor that lifts the richness of the dish. Enjoy this dish immediately for the best texture and flavor.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

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Notes

• For added depth of flavor, you can stir in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika into the sauce.

• To incorporate some greens, add baby spinach or arugula at the end of cooking for extra color and freshness.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully; just add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

• For a lighter version, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream.

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Tips for Perfect Bowtie Pasta

Cooking pasta to the perfect texture is an art. Bowtie pasta, or farfalle, is unique because its pinched center cooks slightly slower than the wings. To ensure even cooking:

1. Use plenty of salted water—about 4–6 quarts per pound of pasta.

2. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.

3. Taste the pasta a minute before the suggested cooking time; it should be tender but firm to the bite (al dente).

4. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil if not combining with the sauce immediately to prevent sticking.

Perfectly cooked pasta enhances the creamy sauce and creates a dish that’s not only flavorful but also has satisfying texture.

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Why Sweet Onions Make a Difference

Sweet onions are the unsung heroes of this dish. Unlike standard yellow onions, sweet onions have a higher sugar content, which caramelizes beautifully when cooked slowly. Caramelization transforms the onions into a golden, melt-in-your-mouth addition that balances the richness of the steak and cream. Taking the time to caramelize them properly adds depth and complexity to your dish, elevating a simple pasta dinner into a gourmet experience.

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Choosing the Right Steak

The choice of steak is crucial for both flavor and texture. Here are some tips:

• Sirloin: Lean, affordable, and flavorful; cooks quickly.

• Ribeye: Rich marbling, tender, and flavorful; perfect if you want a buttery texture.

• Flank: Slightly tougher but very flavorful; slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

No matter which cut you choose, patting the steak dry before searing ensures a beautiful crust and prevents steaming. Season generously—Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the natural beef flavor and complement the creamy sauce.

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Making the Cream Sauce Extra Creamy

The secret to a silky, creamy sauce lies in the order of ingredients and gentle heat. Always add cream after sautéing your aromatics to prevent scorching. Whisking in Parmesan cheese gradually ensures a smooth consistency without clumps. For a slightly thicker sauce, simmer gently for a few extra minutes; for a lighter sauce, add a bit more beef broth or half-and-half.

This sauce is versatile—feel free to experiment by adding roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, or a touch of Dijon mustard to enhance flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

While this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, consider pairing it with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce.

• Simple green salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta.

• Steamed or roasted vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the flavors without overpowering them.

For a cozy dinner at home, a glass of sparkling water with lemon or a chilled iced tea makes a refreshing accompaniment.

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Variations to Try

• Spinach & Mushroom: Add fresh spinach and sautéed mushrooms to the creamy sauce for a vegetable-forward twist.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or fontina cheese for an extra layer of gooey, cheesy goodness.

• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle heat that enhances the flavors.

• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the dish.

These variations allow you to make the recipe your own while keeping the core flavors intact.

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Storing and Reheating

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat:

1. Place leftovers in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

3. Heat gently until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Avoid microwaving directly without adding liquid, as the sauce may separate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this dish apart is the balance of textures and flavors. The tender steak, caramelized onions, and al dente bowtie pasta are enveloped in a luxurious sauce that’s rich without being overwhelming. It’s approachable enough for beginner cooks yet impressive enough to serve guests.

Additionally, this recipe is versatile. Whether you want a cozy weeknight meal, a celebratory dinner, or a make-ahead dish for meal prep, it fits seamlessly into your routine. The ingredients are simple, the steps straightforward, and the results are consistently satisfying.

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